"The unisex scent, which comes in a striking, tartan-topped bottle featuring the band's classic God Save the Queen imagery, is a collaboration with Paris-based perfume brand Etat Libre d'Orange, which licensed the Sex Pistols name from the band's merchandising partner Live Nation Merchandise," reports Billboard.com.

Etat Libre launched the perfume in France this summer at Sephora stores. It retails for about $50. A U.S. launch is expected on Sept. 10, though initially it will available only in the Henri Bendel store in New York.

Also in the works: A "Never Mind the Bollocks"-branded soap by year's end.

Johnny Lydon and the other surviving members of the band were unavailable for comment, but they reportedly were closely involved with the development of the scent.

"They know who they are better than we do," said Michael Krassner, executive VP of worldwide retail and licensing for Live Nation Merchandise. "That's difficult in some respects, as opposed to someone who just approves everything. But ultimately, if you want your brand to endure, you have to have a level of consistency and quality over time."

I have zero idea what he's talking about. But mentioning "consistency" and "quality over time" in the same breath as the Sex Pistols is brave enough.

About this blog

Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times correspondent Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to big hair.